Chemical composition of the cell
All organisms on our planet consist of cells that are similar in chemical composition. In this article we will briefly talk about the chemical composition of the cell, its role in the life of the entire organism, and find out what science studies this issue.
Groups of elements of the chemical composition of the cell
The science that studies the components and structure of a living cell is called cytology.
All elements included in the chemical structure of the body can be divided into three groups:
- macroelements;
- microelements;
- ultramicroelements.
Macroelements include hydrogen, carbon, oxygen and nitrogen. They account for almost 98% of all constituent elements.
Microelements are present in tenths and hundredths of a percent. And a very low content of ultramicroelements - hundredths and thousandths of a percent.
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Translated from Greek, “macro” means big, and “micro” means small.
Scientists have found that there are no special elements that are unique to living organisms. Therefore, both living and inanimate nature consists of the same elements. This proves their relationship.
Despite the quantitative content of a chemical element, the absence or reduction of at least one of them leads to the death of the entire organism. After all, each of them has its own meaning.
The role of the chemical composition of the cell
Macroelements are the basis of biopolymers, namely proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and lipids.
Microelements are part of vital organic substances and participate in metabolic processes. They are constituent components of mineral salts, which are in the form of cations and anions, their ratio determines the alkaline environment. Most often it is slightly alkaline, because the ratio of mineral salts does not change.
Hemoglobin contains iron, chlorophyll - magnesium, proteins - sulfur, nucleic acids - phosphorus, metabolism occurs with a sufficient amount of calcium.
Rice. 2. Cell composition
Some chemical elements are components of inorganic substances, such as water. It plays an important role in the life of both plant and animal cells. Water is a good solvent, because of this all substances inside the body are divided into:
- Hydrophilic - dissolves in water;
- Hydrophobic - do not dissolve in water.
Thanks to the presence of water, the cell becomes elastic and promotes the movement of organic substances in the cytoplasm.
Rice. 3. Cell substances.
Table “Properties of the chemical composition of the cell”
To clearly understand what chemical elements are part of the cell, we included them in the following table:
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Elements |
Meaning |
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Macronutrients |
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Oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen |
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A constituent component of the shell in plants, in the animal body it is found in bones and teeth, and takes an active part in blood clotting. |
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Contained in nucleic acids, enzymes, bone tissue and tooth enamel. |
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Microelements |
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It is the basis of proteins, enzymes and vitamins. |
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Provides transmission of nerve impulses, activates protein synthesis, photosynthesis and growth processes. |
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One of the components of gastric juice, an enzyme provocateur. |
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Takes an active part in metabolic processes, a component of the thyroid hormone. |
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Ensures the transmission of impulses in the nervous system, maintains constant pressure inside the cell, and provokes the synthesis of hormones. |
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A constituent element of chlorophyll, bone tissue and teeth, provokes DNA synthesis and heat transfer processes. |
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An integral part of hemoglobin, the lens, and the cornea, it synthesizes chlorophyll. Transports oxygen throughout the body. |
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Ultramicroelements |
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An integral part of the processes of blood formation and photosynthesis, it accelerates intracellular oxidation processes. |
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Manganese |
Activates photosynthesis, participates in blood formation, and ensures high productivity. |
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Component of tooth enamel. |
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Regulates plant growth. |
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What have we learned?
Each cell of living nature has its own set of chemical elements. In terms of their composition, objects of living and inanimate nature have similarities, this proves their close relationship. Each cell consists of macroelements, microelements and ultramicroelements, each of which has its own role. The absence of at least one of them leads to illness and even death of the entire organism.
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